I'm trying to launch a weekly art fair in the parking lot of my theatre, the Hang On to the Dream Theatre, in Hollywood, CA. The art fair is called the Hollywood Artist Market and it is a weekly art fair for local artists to sell their creations from booths/tents in my parking lot which is right in the heart of Hollywood. I'm an Emmy Award winning TV host and Executive Producer. My theatre is part of my non-profit organization, the Hang On to the Dream Foundation. I have been trying to get this art fair off the ground, but artists aren't buying booth spaces, even though the booth rates are cheap ($20). There are tons of artists in the area. I just don't know how to get them to come set up a booth and participate in the art fair. Please help! Thanks!

Christopher — this is a great idea. You have the location, the credibility, and the nonprofit halo. The issue isn’t price.

At $20, the problem is almost never cost.

It’s perceived return + trust + momentum.

Artists are asking themselves:

Will anyone show up?
Will I actually sell anything?
Will I look silly if there are only 3 booths?
Is this organized?
Is it worth giving up my Saturday?

You’re not selling a $20 booth.
You’re selling confidence in turnout.

Let’s fix that.

🎨 How to Get Artists to Commit to the Hollywood Artist Market

1. Stop Leading With “Cheap Booths”

$20 reads as:

“This might not be legit”
“Low traffic”
“Unproven event”

Counterintuitive truth: cheap can reduce perceived value.

Instead position it as:

A curated weekly artist market in the heart of Hollywood hosted by Emmy Award-winning producer Christopher Ewing at Hang On to the Dream Theatre.

Now it feels real.

You can even consider:

$30 early founding rate
$40 regular rate

Founding vendor psychology works better than discount psychology.

2. Sell the Vision — Not the Booth

Artists don’t want a table.
They want:

Exposure
Community
Content for social media
Email list growth
Repeat buyers

So your pitch becomes:

🎥 Why Sell at Hollywood Artist Market?

Located in the heart of Hollywood
Hosted by an Emmy-winning TV personality
Weekly recurring opportunity
Live social media coverage & artist spotlights
Email list inclusion
Potential collaborations with theatre events
Opportunity to be featured inside the theatre

Now it feels like brand-building, not just vending.

3. You Need 10 “Anchor Artists” First

Do NOT try to sell to everyone.

Instead:

Personally recruit 10 strong local artists.
Offer them “Founding Artist” status.
Feature them heavily.
Ask them to commit to 4 consecutive weeks.

Once you have 10 committed artists:
The market looks real.
Photos look full.
Momentum builds.

Scarcity attracts.

Empty markets repel.

4. Use Your Personal Brand Harder

This is huge.

You are an Emmy Award-winning TV host.

Most art markets are run by anonymous event companies.
Yours has a face.

Record a 60-second Instagram video:

“Hi, I’m Christopher Ewing, and I’m launching something special in the heart of Hollywood…”

Tag:

#HollywoodArtists
#LosAngelesArtists
#LAFleaMarket
#WeHoArtists
#MelroseTradingPost

Post in:

Local Facebook artist groups
Nextdoor Hollywood
LA art collectives
Meetup groups
Eventbrite (free listing)

Your credibility should be front and center.

5. Guarantee Traffic (This Is Big)

Artists don’t care about booth fees.
They care about buyers.

So you need a simple promise:

Example:

“Minimum 100 attendees guaranteed or next week free.”
Or: “If you don’t make at least $50 in sales, your next booth is free.”

That removes fear.

6. Pair It With Something That Already Draws

Right now it’s “just a market.”

What if it was:

Art Market + Live Acoustic Music
Art Market + Open Mic
Art Market + Hollywood Soundbath
Art Market + Theatre matinee
Art Market + Free acting workshop

Bundle audience streams.

If the theatre has programming, align the market before or after.

7. Make It Feel Exclusive (Even if It’s Not)

Rename positioning slightly:

“Hollywood Artist Market — A Curated Weekly Outdoor Showcase”

Use application language instead of sign-up language.

Artists respond better to:

“Apply to vend”
than
“Buy a booth”

Even if you accept most.

8. Create Immediate Momentum

You need:

20 confirmed artists
Great photos (even staged)
Music playing
Branded banner
Energy

The first 3 weeks are about optics.
After that, it builds itself.

Consider personally underwriting:

A coffee cart
A DJ
A food truck

Foot traffic follows food.

9. Direct Outreach Script (Use This)

Send this DM:

Hi! I’m Christopher Ewing, Emmy Award-winning TV host and founder of Hang On to the Dream Theatre in Hollywood.

I’m launching a curated weekly artist market in our theatre parking lot right in the heart of Hollywood and I’d love to invite you as one of our founding artists.

We’re spotlighting select local creators and promoting them through our theatre’s social media and email list.

Would you be open to being part of our first 4 weeks?

Short. Personal. Vision-driven.

10. The Real Question

Right now:
Are you trying to create a market…

Or a movement?

If it feels like “a parking lot flea market,” artists hesitate.

If it feels like:

“The new Hollywood creative gathering spot”

They lean in.

Strategic Shift Recommendation

Instead of:
Hollywood Artist Market

Consider:

Hollywood Artist Market at Hang On to the Dream Theatre
Presented by the Hang On to the Dream Foundation

Leverage the nonprofit status.
Artists like mission-driven spaces.

Why This Hasn’t Worked Yet

Likely reasons:

No visible momentum
No guaranteed audience
Not enough social proof
No anchor vendors
Too transactional

This is a marketing psychology issue, not a logistics issue.

If you'd like, I can next:

Write a high-converting artist landing page
Create a 30-day launch plan
Build a “Founding Artist” recruitment campaign
Help you design the traffic strategy
Create sponsor pitch language for underwriting the market

This is absolutely doable in Hollywood.
But it has to feel bigger than $20 booths.

Let’s build it right.

Yes, please: Write a high-converting artist landing page Create a 30-day launch plan Build a “Founding Artist” recruitment campaign Help design the traffic strategy Create sponsor pitch language for underwriting the market

Christopher — this is where we turn it from “idea” into Hollywood creative institution.

You’re not launching a flea market.

You’re launching:

Hollywood Artist Market at Hang On to the Dream Theatre
Presented by the Hang On to the Dream Foundation
Located in the heart of Hollywood

Below is everything you asked for — built strategically, not generically.

1️⃣ HIGH-CONVERTING ARTIST LANDING PAGE COPY

🎨 HOLLYWOOD ARTIST MARKET

A Curated Weekly Outdoor Showcase for Local Creators

At Hang On to the Dream Theatre – Hollywood

Now Accepting Founding Artists

Are you a local artist looking for more than just a folding table at a flea market?

Welcome to the Hollywood Artist Market — a curated weekly outdoor art showcase in the heart of Hollywood, hosted by Emmy Award-winning TV host and Executive Producer Christopher Ewing.

This isn’t just a booth.

It’s exposure.
It’s community.
It’s visibility.
It’s momentum.

Why Sell With Us?

✔ Prime Hollywood location
✔ Weekly recurring opportunity
✔ Curated (not overcrowded) vendor lineup
✔ Artist spotlights on social media
✔ Inclusion in theatre email list
✔ Live music & creative programming
✔ Hosted by an Emmy-winning producer
✔ Backed by a nonprofit arts foundation

Founding Artist Benefits

We are selecting a limited number of artists to become Founding Vendors.

Founding Artists Receive:

• Locked-in discounted booth rate
• Featured social media spotlight
• Professional photo opportunities
• First access to premium booth placement
• Recognition on website
• Priority for future theatre collaborations

Booth Details

• Weekly (Saturdays or Sundays – TBD)
• Outdoor tents in theatre parking lot
• Bring your own 10x10 setup
• Early founding rate: $30
• Setup begins 8:30am
• Market hours: 10am–4pm

Our Promise

We are actively marketing and building foot traffic.

This is not a one-day pop-up.

This is a weekly creative gathering designed to grow.

Apply to Become a Founding Artist

[Application Button]

Let’s build something iconic in Hollywood.

2️⃣ 30-DAY LAUNCH PLAN

Week 1: Foundation & Positioning

Finalize branding (logo, banner, step-and-repeat)
Set booth pricing (Founding Rate $30)
Build simple landing page
Film 60-sec launch video (you speaking directly)
Create Canva promo graphics
Compile list of 100 local artists (Instagram, Etsy, art schools, street fairs)

Goal: 10 Founding Artists committed

Week 2: Direct Outreach Blitz

DM 25 artists per day
Post in:
- LA Artist Facebook Groups
- Nextdoor Hollywood
- Meetup creative groups
Email local art schools
Visit 2 local markets and hand out flyers
Announce Founding Artist countdown

Goal: 20 confirmed artists

Week 3: Traffic Activation

Book 1 acoustic musician
Book 1 food truck or coffee cart
Create Eventbrite (free RSVP)
Run $100 geo-targeted Instagram ad (5-mile radius)
Cross-promote through theatre email list
Personally invite 50 industry contacts

Goal: 150 RSVPs

Week 4: Momentum & Scarcity

Announce “Almost Full”
Post confirmed artist previews
Share behind-the-scenes setup
Push “Opening Weekend”
Send press release to local blogs

Goal: 25–30 vendors confirmed

3️⃣ FOUNDING ARTIST RECRUITMENT CAMPAIGN

Campaign Name:

Founding Artists of Hollywood

Position it as:

Be part of the first wave shaping a new Hollywood creative hub.

Offer:

• $30 booth (locked in for first 3 months)
• Spotlight reel interview
• Professional photo
• Featured on website

Urgency:

Limited to first 25 artists.

Direct DM Script:

Hi [Name],

I’m Christopher Ewing, founder of Hang On to the Dream Theatre in Hollywood. I’m personally inviting a small group of artists to become Founding Vendors of a new curated weekly artist market in our theatre parking lot.

We’re building this intentionally — spotlighting artists, promoting them, and growing weekly traffic.

Would you be interested in being part of our founding group?

– Christopher

4️⃣ TRAFFIC STRATEGY (THIS IS CRITICAL)

Artists will only return if they sell.

So traffic must be engineered.

A. Anchor Attractions

Each week must include:

• Live acoustic set
• Coffee or food vendor
• Instagrammable backdrop
• Rotating “Featured Artist of the Week”

B. Theatre Cross-Pollination

If Hang On to the Dream Theatre has:

• A matinee
• A workshop
• A rehearsal
• A soundbath

Schedule it same day.

Bundle traffic.

C. Influencer Micro-Invites

Invite:
• 5 LA lifestyle influencers (5–20k followers)
• Offer free theatre tickets
• Ask for 1 story post

D. The $100 Rule

Commit to spending $100 per week on:

Geo-targeted ads:
• 5-mile radius
• Interests: Art, Handmade, Etsy, LA events
• Age 22–55

Consistency > one big splash

E. Visual Density Strategy

Even if you only have 12 vendors:

Place them closer together.

Empty space kills perception.
Fullness attracts.

5️⃣ SPONSOR PITCH LANGUAGE

You are in Hollywood.
There are brands that want community visibility.

Potential sponsors:
• Coffee brands
• Wellness companies
• Art supply stores
• Local restaurants
• Real estate agents
• Production companies

Sponsor Deck Language

The Opportunity

The Hollywood Artist Market is a weekly curated outdoor arts showcase located in the heart of Hollywood at Hang On to the Dream Theatre.

This market supports local artists while activating community foot traffic in one of the most recognizable neighborhoods in the world.

Why Sponsor?

• Weekly brand visibility
• Local creative audience
• On-site activation opportunity
• Social media integration
• Community goodwill
• Association with a nonprofit arts foundation

Sponsorship Levels

Presenting Sponsor – $1,000/month
• Logo on all banners
• On-site booth
• Weekly shout-outs
• Speaking opportunity at launch

Community Sponsor – $500/month
• Logo placement
• Social media tags
• On-site signage

Supporting Sponsor – $250/month
• Social media recognition
• Website listing

The Honest Strategic Advice

Right now, artists don’t trust that traffic will show up.

Your first 4 weeks are not about profit.

They are about:

• Density
• Photos
• Energy
• Social proof

If you can create the appearance of momentum,
momentum becomes real.

And once artists sell $200 in one day?
You’ll have a waiting list.

If you'd like next, I can:

• Write the full sponsor deck copy
• Create a press release
• Design a vendor agreement
• Help you structure permits & compliance strategy
• Create a 90-day growth projection

You absolutely have the brand and location to make this iconic.

Let’s build Hollywood’s new creative gathering spot.

Please: • Write the full sponsor deck copy • Create a press release • Design a vendor agreement • Help structure permits & compliance strategy • Create a 90-day growth projection

Christopher — this is where we professionalize it and make it feel inevitable.

You’re not launching a parking lot market.

You’re launching a recurring cultural activation in the heart of Hollywood backed by the Hang On to the Dream Foundation.

Below is everything structured at a level you can actually use with sponsors, press, vendors, and the city.

1️⃣ FULL SPONSOR DECK COPY

(Slide-by-slide language you can drop into Canva or PowerPoint)

Slide 1 — Cover

HOLLYWOOD ARTIST MARKET
A Weekly Curated Outdoor Arts Showcase
At Hang On to the Dream Theatre
Presented by Hang On to the Dream Foundation

Slide 2 — The Vision

The Hollywood Artist Market is a curated weekly outdoor showcase celebrating local artists, makers, and creatives in the heart of Hollywood.

Hosted by Emmy Award-winning TV host and Executive Producer Christopher Ewing, the market transforms our theatre parking lot into a vibrant creative gathering space.

This is not a flea market.
This is a cultural activation.

Slide 3 — Why Hollywood?

• Global creative capital
• Dense residential + tourist foot traffic
• Thousands of working artists in 3-mile radius
• Strong demand for authentic, local experiences

Hollywood deserves a consistent weekly artist marketplace.

Slide 4 — The Venue Advantage

Located at Hang On to the Dream Theatre:
• Established nonprofit arts organization
• Existing audience + email list
• Theatre programming cross-promotion
• Recognizable cultural location

This is built on infrastructure — not speculation.

Slide 5 — Audience Profile

Target Audience:
• 22–55 years old
• Creatives, young professionals
• Tourists seeking authentic LA experiences
• Theatre patrons
• Wellness & arts communities

Projected weekly attendance (after stabilization): 250–500 visitors.

Slide 6 — Why Sponsor?

Sponsors receive:

• Weekly on-site brand visibility
• Direct engagement with creative audience
• Social media integration
• Nonprofit alignment
• Hyper-local brand presence
• Content creation opportunities

Slide 7 — Sponsorship Levels

Presenting Sponsor — $1,000/month

• “Presented by” naming inclusion
• Premium logo placement on banners
• On-site activation space
• Weekly social media shout-outs
• Logo on website & email marketing
• Opening day speaking opportunity

Community Sponsor — $500/month

• Logo on signage
• Social media tags
• Website listing
• On-site signage placement

Supporting Sponsor — $250/month

• Website listing
• Monthly social recognition

Slide 8 — Community Impact

The Hollywood Artist Market:

• Provides low-cost access to sales opportunities
• Supports emerging artists
• Activates underutilized space
• Strengthens neighborhood cultural identity
• Expands nonprofit arts programming

Slide 9 — Partnership Invitation

Join us in building Hollywood’s newest weekly creative gathering space.

Let’s support artists.
Let’s activate community.
Let’s create something iconic.

2️⃣ PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Hollywood Artist Market Launches Weekly Outdoor Creative Showcase in the Heart of Hollywood

Hollywood, CA — The Hang On to the Dream Foundation proudly announces the launch of the Hollywood Artist Market, a weekly curated outdoor arts showcase located at Hang On to the Dream Theatre in the heart of Hollywood.

Hosted by Emmy Award-winning TV host and Executive Producer Christopher Ewing, the market will feature local artists, makers, and creatives selling original artwork, handmade goods, and unique creations.

The weekly event transforms the theatre’s parking lot into a vibrant community gathering space designed to support local artists and activate cultural energy in Hollywood.

“This isn’t just a market,” says Ewing. “It’s a creative hub — a place where artists connect directly with the community and build visibility.”

The Hollywood Artist Market is currently accepting applications for Founding Artists.

Event Details:
Location: Hang On to the Dream Theatre
Frequency: Weekly
Admission: Free to the public

For more information or to apply as a vendor:
[Website Link]

Media Contact:
Christopher Ewing
[Email]
[Phone]

3️⃣ VENDOR AGREEMENT (Template Language)

HOLLYWOOD ARTIST MARKET
Vendor Participation Agreement

Vendor Name: __________________
Business Name: __________________
Date(s) Participating: __________________

Booth Fee
Vendor agrees to pay $_____ per booth space.
Setup
Vendor provides own 10x10 tent, tables, and display materials.
Permitted Items
Vendor may only sell original artwork, handmade goods, or approved creative products.
Prohibited Items
No illegal items, weapons, alcohol (without permit), counterfeit goods, or mass-produced imports.
Liability
Vendor assumes full responsibility for their property and releases Hang On to the Dream Foundation from liability for loss, theft, or injury.
Insurance
Vendor is encouraged to carry general liability insurance. Proof may be required for certain categories.
Cancellation
Booth fees are non-refundable within 72 hours of event.
Conduct
Professional behavior required. Market reserves right to remove vendor without refund for misconduct.

Signature: __________________
Date: __________________

4️⃣ PERMITS & COMPLIANCE STRATEGY (Los Angeles)

Since you’re in Los Angeles, this matters.

Depending on structure, you may need:

A. Temporary Event Permit

Through the City of Los Angeles (if open to public and recurring)

B. Use of Private Property

Since it's your theatre lot, easier — but public access may trigger city oversight.

C. Seller’s Permits

Each vendor must have:
California Seller’s Permit (Board of Equalization)

You can require vendors to provide permit number.

D. Special Event Insurance

Highly recommended:
• $1M general liability policy
• Add foundation as additionally insured

E. Food Vendors

If including food trucks:
They must carry LA County Health Department permits.

Strategic Tip:
You may want to position it as a recurring “private market for invited vendors” during early phase to simplify initial bureaucracy — while you clarify city requirements.

Consult:
• LA City Office of Special Events
• LA Department of Cultural Affairs
• Small Business Development Center (free advisory)

5️⃣ 90-DAY GROWTH PROJECTION

Month 1 — Establish Legitimacy

Vendors: 12–20
Attendance: 100–200
Revenue: $600–$1,200/month booth fees
Goal: Create density & photos

Month 2 — Stabilize

Vendors: 20–30
Attendance: 250–350
Revenue: $2,400–$3,600/month
Add 1–2 sponsors

Focus:
• Consistent weekly turnout
• Artist testimonials
• Email capture station

Month 3 — Growth & Positioning

Vendors: 30–40
Attendance: 400–500
Revenue: $4,000–$6,000/month
Sponsors: $1,500–$3,000/month

At this point:
You’re not selling booths.
You’re managing a brand.

Strategic Truth

If you:

• Personally recruit the first 15 artists
• Underwrite the first 4 weeks
• Create visual density
• Spend $100–$200 weekly on traffic
• Secure 1 presenting sponsor

This becomes self-sustaining by Month 3.